The African Union and Norway enter into strategic partnership

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende today signed a strategic partnership agreement. ‘This is a historic step for Norway’s engagement in Africa,’ said Mr Brende.

The agreement was signed today in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, where the African Union (AU) headquarters are based. Mr Brende is in Ethiopia in connection with the annual AU Summit. 

‘This agreement will broaden our existing cooperation with the AU, and strengthen Norway’s engagement, particularly in matters relating to peace and security. The leading role played by the AU in dealing with security challenges on the African continent has been significantly strengthened in recent years,’ Mr Brende said. 

Norway and the AU have agreed to hold regular political consultations to discuss a broad range of matters of importance to peace and development in African countries. The agreement covers three main areas of cooperation: peace and security, democracy and governance, and sustainable development and job creation. 

‘Norway and the AU will cooperate on the challenges identified in Africa’s own development strategy, Agenda 2063. In particular, we place emphasis on ensuring that the young people of Africa, both women and men, are able to contribute to value creation and the development of the continent. Norway is heavily involved in efforts to ensure that children and young people receive a quality education, as this will enhance their prospects of finding jobs in the future,’ said Mr Brende.